Washers
A washer is a thin plate (typically disk-shaped, but sometimes square) with a hole (typically in the middle) that is normally used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a bolt or nut. Other uses are as a spacer, spring (Belleville washer, wave washer), wear pad, preload indicating device, locking device, and to reduce vibration (rubber washer).
Washers are usually metal or plastic. High-quality bolted joints require hardened steel washers to prevent the loss of pre-load due to brinelling after the torque is applied. Washers are also important for preventing galvanic corrosion, particularly by insulating steel screws from aluminium surfaces. They may also be used in rotating applications, as a bearing. A thrust washer is used when a rolling element bearing is not needed either from a cost-performance perspective or due to space restraints. Coatings can be used to reduce wear and friction, either by hardening the surface or by providing a solid lubricant (i.e. a self-lubricating surface).
Riddhi Siddhi Impex is a leading manufacturer, supplier and exporter of pipe fittings, forged fittings, tube fittings, dairy fittings, valves, Shims, Washers, Fasteners, Round Bars, Gaskets and flanges.
Acetal washers are precision components manufactured from a thermoplastic material called acetal resin, commonly known by the brand names Delrin or Celcon. These washers are valued for their high strength, stiffness, and excellent dimensional stability. They offer several key features and benefits:
25% Carbon Filled PTFE Washers from Riddhi Siddhi Impex are an excellent choice for applications requiring a combination of chemical resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity, and good wear resistance.
Furthermore, the 25% Carbon Filled PTFE material provides improved mechanical strength. Consequently, it is ideal for use in applications where washers, seals, and rings are exposed to harsh conditions.
CS80 Spring Steel Washers are specialised washers made from CS80 grade spring steel, known for their excellent hardness, strength, and durability. These washers are typically used in applications requiring high levels of resistance to deformation and wear.
What are Latex Washers? Latex washers are circular sealing components made from natural or synthetic latex rubber. They are designed to fit between two surfaces to prevent leakage, absorb vibrations, and distribute pressure evenly. Here are some key characteristics and applications of latex washers:
Alignment shims are regularly used in the automotive industry with one example being when you change the camber or caster of your car; here you might find that you car’s wheels have misaligned over time.
Riddhi Siddhi Impex manufacture and supply a wide range of Novus washers of almost any shape and size. Furthermore, we manufacture them in a range of dimensions and thicknesses, as standard or bespoke parts and we also offer varying grade materials. Our biggest USP is that we can produce washers to the tolerances and shape that you require.
Significantly, there are a number of different types of Novus rubber compounds, with two of the most popular ones being Novus 30 and Novus 34.
Novus 30 is a general purpose material which is suitable for use in a wide range of applications. For example hot and cold water, steam, oils, fuels, gases and a wide range of general chemicals. In particular, it is useful as a compound thanks to its resistance to a number of different liquids and materials. In fact, at Stephens Gaskets, one of our most popular supplies is Novus 30. In addition, Novus 30 washers (and Novus 30 gaskets for that matter) maintain a superb seal even against high bar pressure applications, and where high temperature sealing is required.
Novus 34 is a superior performance material with excellent mechanical properties. As a result, it is suitable for many applications, including oils, solvents, high pressure steam and gases including oxygen. Again, its resistance to a number of different materials makes it a particularly popular choice. It must be remembered that its specific resistant properties vary slightly from those of Novus 30, making it suitable for slightly different applications.
You can see that PTFE is a very trustworthy material to use as a basis for a washer. This is why PTFE washers are incredibly versatile too – not just limited to one type of use.
These types of washers are produced for a wide range of different industries including the construction, automotive, home appliances and architectural industries.
Moreover, there are many benefits to PTFE washers, especially their strength and durability.
Indeed, they are low coefficient of friction, one of the lowest out of any other solid materials. As a result, these washers are suitable for most moving components, and their texture and material allows components and different parts to glide over surfaces easily.
Therefore making these types of washers’ ideal for use with bearings, gears and other sliding parts in the automotive industry.
Stainless steel was first discovered in the early 1900s, and has since been an incredibly popular material choice for a number of applications. It is typically a steel alloy with more than 10.5% chromium content.
Whereas ordinary steel will easily rust corrode or stain, stainless steel does not. This makes it particularly useful for a number of different industrial applications, such as in the manufacture of washers. There are a number of different grades of stainless steel. This ensures that, whatever your particular requirements, there is usually a grade of stainless steel which is suitable for your particular application.
Stainless steel washers are available in a number of different grades, sizes and diameters as well as in any quantity you might require. The typical washer is flat and designed to spread the load of a screw or bolt, thereby preventing damage to the surface of the appliance. In Europe, metric Form A flat washers are generally the most popular ones, the thinner Form B washers are made to the old British Standard.
Top hat washers, also known as seal washers or top hat seals, are specialised washers designed for specific sealing and spacing applications. They provide spacing and sealing in machinery, ensuring that moving parts function smoothly without excessive wear or vibration. This is crucial for maintaining the longevity and efficiency of mechanical systems.
Top hat washers are typically made from materials such as nylon, rubber, metal, or a combination thereof. The choice of material depends on the application’s requirements for durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors like heat, chemicals, or pressur
The unique shape of the top hat washer allows it to provide excellent sealing capabilities. The brim of the washer seals the surface area around a hole, while the narrower part can extend through the hole to secure and seal components within assemblies.
They are used on applications that require precise alignment and sealing. This might include securing and sealing hydraulic fittings, protecting wires passing through metal frames, or insulating and sealing mechanical assemblies.
The metal aluminium is soft, ductile, and is one of the base chemical elements in the periodic table. Furthermore, it’s the third-most abundant element on Earth, after silicon and oxygen. However, it is rarely found in its pure form due to being so chemically reactive
Aluminium is the most widely-used non-ferrous metal in the world, with more than 50 million tonnes being produced every year. In fact, only iron is a more popular metal in terms of production.
In practical terms, it is almost always mildly alloyed, in order to enhance its properties. In addition, it is non-magnetic, does not ignite easily, reflects very well and is easily machined and moulded.
Moreover, it has good thermal and electrical conductivity. With this is mind, it’s easy to see why shim washers are such a popular material in a number of applications.
When a shim needs to be able to conduct heat or electricity without the risk of great expansion, copper is a natural choice. It is in the same group of the periodic table as silver and gold. Consequently, it shares a number of attributes with these other metals.
ver time, copper reacts with atmospheric oxygen (in contrast, it does not react with water) to develop a layer of copper oxide on the surface. As a result the metal turns into a brown colour. Older copper can develop layers of copper carbonate, which turns it green.
Many Industrial Uses:
In industrial usage, copper made into shims generally doesn’t undergo these changes. The copper used is mixed with other metals in order to improve its properties depending on its specific usage.
In its industrial form, copper is commonly used in electrical wiring, roofing, plumbing and machinery applications. This is usually as a pure metal. When more hardness is required, it is used to cut alloys such as brass and bronze.
These washers are a type of washer used in mechanical assemblies to provide a neat finish and distribute the load of a threaded fastener like a screw or a nut. They have a cup-shaped design, which helps to contain, seat, and support the head of the fastener. This not only enhances the appearance of the assembly but also adds a protective barrier against damage to the surface being fastened.
At Stephens Gaskets, we offer these washers that are perfect for use in decorative finishes or in applications where the surface integrity is crucial. They are especially useful in carpentry and furniture, where the appearance of the final product is important. Our washers are available in various materials and sizes to suit different applications and aesthetic requirements. Whether you need them for a protective finish or for their aesthetic appeal, we have options that can meet your needs.
Machined washers are precision-engineered, typically metal discs with a central hole, designed to distribute the load of a fastening system evenly. Available in materials such as steel, stainless steel, brass, nylon, and plastic, these washers are integral in preventing damage to assembled parts by providing a flat bearing surface. They are especially effective in applications requiring alignment, spacing, and increased surface area for load distribution.
Nylon washers are flat, disc-shaped components made from nylon, a type of thermoplastic polymer. They are used in a variety of applications to distribute the load of a threaded fastener, such as a screw or nut, reducing friction and preventing wear between metal parts. As experts in manufacturing precision components, Stephens Gaskets offers a wide range of nylon washers tailored to meet diverse industry needs.
Rubber washers encompass a number of materials, including nitrile, neoprene, hypalon, butyl, EPDM and many more different forms.
Subsequently, each of them have their own specific properties and recommended uses. For example, whereas neoprene has fantastic fire resistance and weathering properties, EPDM is resistant to most chemicals and oils. On the other hand Silicone, is brilliantly versatile at both high and low temperatures.
ompared to metal washers, rubber washers perform better for a number of applications. This is due to them being more durable, as well as highly resistant to effects of water. In addition, their flexibility is another reason why it’s a great choice, this allows for a much tighter fit and seal.
Due to its insulating properties it is also ideal doe applications with extreme temperature or electricity. Furthermore, its lightweight design makes it very easy to use. Finally, it’s non-abrasive, ensuring zero scratch on whatever parts are produced.
Steel Shim washers are generally used to be placed between two different components in order to fill a gap or absorb tolerances. Most shim washers are made of steel, which is particularly good at absorbing vibrations and reducing friction. This helps to preserve the faces of mating components.
Steel Shim washers are particularly useful in bringing down costs as they reduce the need for regular maintenance and repairs to equipment. This is due to the shim acting as a barrier between the two components, enabling it to take most of the force of friction. As a result, saving on the wear and tear of the main components. As shim washers are generally very inexpensive, this makes it a particularly cost-effective way to reduce maintenance costs.
Steel is a useful material for shim washers due to its unique properties. It is both lightweight and waterproof as well as being relatively inexpensive.
Shims can be finished in a number of different ways according to their environmental uses, for example exposure to chemicals or corrosives. The finishes available include zinc plating, oxide coating or anodising. We are able to provide finishes to suit all requirements.
Using and replacing shims is far more cost-effective than either performing regular maintenance and repairs on components or ensuring a perfect fit of components during the manufacturing process. This makes them very popular for a number of different applications.
Tufnol washers are manufactured of phenolic laminate, a high-quality material noted for its exceptional electrical insulating capabilities. As a result, it is suitable for a wide range of electrical applications, for instance, electrical switchgear, transformers, motors, and generators.
Tufnol washers are also heat, moisture, and chemical corrosion resistant. Therefore, making them appropriate for usage in a variety of severe situations.
Belleville washers, also known as conical spring washers or disc springs, are mechanical components used to apply preload or maintain tension in a bolted joint. Common uses include spring mechanisms (washers can be used in spring mechanisms where a controlled amount of force needs to be applied over a small deflection range), vibration dampening (they are often employed in applications where vibration damping and shock absorption are required, such as in automotive suspensions or machinery mounts). In machinery and equipment, they can be used to preload bearings to maintain proper axial and radial clearances.
Cork washers have excellent oil and anti-vibration properties. Additionally, cork is a highly effective material for a wide range of applications, such as; oil and fuel pumps, switchgear and electrical transformers.
Another benefit, is that when combined with rubber, cork also offers high flexibility and compression.
At Stephen Gaskets, we can manufacture a vast range of different sizes in house. Therefore, if you have specific requirements, we can work with you to produce a bespoke washer.
Cork Washers PropertiesOwing to cork being somewhat malleable, it’s a popular choice of material for certain washers.
In applications where large amounts of movement are normal, cork’s elasticity and buoyancy provides excellent anti-vibration properties. As a result, it makes the ideal choice of washer material. Not to mention its non-conductive properties, making it a handy alternative to plastic in electrical applications.
We stock a range of graded stainless steel to work with, including DIN 988 stainless steel. This material is sourced from our most established and trusted suppliers. Therefore, guaranteeing that it meets all of the DIN 988 specifications. By using this highly renowned grade of stainless steel, you will be guaranteed a safe, reliable and high performance every time. DIN 988 shim washers have excellent durability and impact resistance. Two factors that are vital when relying on a shim washer for your piece of machinery or project. By using stainless steel, you can also rest assured that weather and corrosion will not affect the performance of the component. You will still be offered the optimum protection to the inside of the device.
Stainless steel has always been a go-to material in the making of shim washers. Our stainless steel shim washers boast numerous desirable properties that attract a whole variety of uses and applications. Steel is a very strong and reliable material to manufacture with and due to the very large amounts of chromium it is resistant to surface corrosion and rusting. As a result, these types of properties make stainless steel washers ideal to use in outdoor applications.
Corrosion resistance is an attractive quality to have as many washers have to be replaced regularly due to rust and damage. Stainless steel washers have the potential to last much longer than other materials – subsequently, saving you money for your project or industry too.
Neoprene washers are made from a type of synthetic rubber, which has a number of different applications throughout the world due to its rather impressive properties. It’s often used in electrical insulation, fan belts and even laptop sleeves.
Excellent Insulation and Waterproof Properties
The material is highly prevalent in the leisure industry, with aquatics being one of its main uses. Neoprene is used in the manufacture of wetsuits and fly fishing waders, owing to its excellent insulation and waterproof properties. Foam neoprene is manufactured in such a way that it contains gas pockets. Therefore, the neoprene compresses under water pressure.
Neoprene doesn’t degrade as quickly, or as easily, as natural or synthetic rubber. As a result, it is a far superior product for a number of uses. These properties make it ideal for applications, such as hose coatings and, strangely enough, washers and gaskets!
Shoulder washers are a crucial component in various applications, featuring a small raised portion (shoulder) at their centre.
These versatile washers offer a multitude of benefits, making them essential in countless industries and applications.
Shoulder washers are designed with precision engineering to provide unmatched stability and strength to your joints and connections. Their unique design offers the following advantages:
Like most washers, tapered washers are designed to be in use in conjunction with other bolting products (e.g. shims). They provide a flat surface underneath fastener heads. Therefore, helping to prevent wearing on the component. In addition, they are a specific type of washer designed to be used underneath nuts with tapered flanges, enabling bolts to fit square once tightened.
rass is popular in applications involving friction reduction due to its strength and durability. Furthermore, Brass shims have excellent resistance to corrosion by water. In addition, they exhibit corrosion resistance in environments where fuel oil, gasoline, kerosene and alcohol are present.
Also, brass demonstrates excellent electrical conductivity. It is therefore extremely popular in the electric industry and appliance industry.
Brass is a metal alloy with a number of unique and useful properties. Although all brass is made from zinc and copper, the exact proportions of ingredients often vary. This is so they are able to meet specific requirements in terms of the properties of the brass.
Brass Shim Washers Are Recyclable
In the manufacture of shim washers, brass has been particularly popular due to its unique properties as listed above. Brass is also recyclable, which adds to its expendability and low-cost nature. Furthermore, these are two of the factors which make shim washers particularly useful.
It is generally far more expensive to manufacture components to have a perfect fit. Therefore, many mass produced appliances use shim washers in order to pad out gaps between components. It is done in a way which will reduce cost for the consumer and manufacturer.
Most materials may be used to manufacture countersunk washers. This includes steel, stainless steel, brass, and aluminium.
What are the most common applications for countersunk washers?
Countersunk washers have several applications, including building, electronics, and manufacturing. Moreover, they are a necessary component in many goods and constructions.
The countersunk head design allows the washer to lie flush with the surface, resulting in a clean and consistent finish, which is very significant in situations where aesthetics are crucial.
Klinger washers are more commonly known as compressed fibre washers. However, they were pioneered by Klinger, the world’s leading developer of sealing products, hence their namesake.
Interestingly, before Klinger washers, similar products were available which were asbestos-based. But, the compressed fibre used in Klinger washers, is completely free of asbestos. Therefore, making it the ideal material for the modern age.
A Vital Part Of Many Industries:Modern day compressed fibre washers consist of a mixture of aramid glass and rubber fibres. For the most part they seal against liquids, gases and solvents and are most popular within industrial and marine applications.
For example, diesel engines and oil pipelines. As a result, they are a vital part of many industries.
Can Sustain A High Levels of Pressure
As a matter of fact, compressed fibre offers many unique properties, including the ability to sustain high levels of pressure, air, water, chemical and salt resistance, and superb load bearing properties. In addition, some grades of Klinger washers are able to withstand operating temperatures of 400 degrees celsius.
Undeniably, Klinger is an incredibly versatile and robust material. In fact, aramid fibres have no melting point. Even more, they generally don’t even begin to degrade until they reach 500 degrees celsius.
Equally important is their resistance to abrasion, non-conductivity and low flammability.
Nitrile rubber is an extremely versatile material which has a number of uses, including but not limited to washers and gaskets. In fact, it is perhaps most commonly used in rubber gloves as a non-allergenic alternative to latex. Additional uses include hoses, cable jackets and transmission belts in cars.
Furthermore, nitrile washers offer unique levels of resistance, making it a common material within the food catering industry. Plus, it can be manufactured to very thin gauges, whilst still maintaining all of its impressive properties. In addition, nitrile is ideal for use with fats, fuels and oils and is even resistant to water, acid and gas. Unlike other materials that might corrode or degrade, nitrile will keep soldiering on.
Even more impressive are the temperature resistant properties of nitrile with temperatures ranging between -40 degrees celsius and +120 degrees celsius, depending on the grade of nitrile washers used. For this reason, nitrile is often used in aeronautical applications, as well as footwear, sponges, expanding foams and even floor mats.
Over the years we have invested heavily in our manufacturing facilities in order to continue expanding our capabilities. Whether it’s for the automotive, industrial, or domestic markets, we have the expertise to be able to determine the best solution for the application at hand. Our goal is to provide you with a precision machined component that ticks all of the right boxes. Therefore, we have plenty of knowledge on not only the components that we produce, but also the materials we use to produce them too. As a result, we can always help you determine the perfect part for your requirements, which means you will always be investing in parts that are guaranteed not to let you down.
Used to either distribute a load bearing, or as a spacer to create a tighter alignment between other parts, the measurements, accuracy, and quality of shims and washers are vital when it comes to their performance. They can help to fill gaps between aligning parts, reduce wear and tear on pieces of machinery, and absorb tolerances. Providing they do these roles successfully, these components can save plenty of time and money as they can eliminate the need for other components to be machined – and of course they are usually much easier to replace. With this in mind, shims and washers need to be precision machined in order to achieve the right measurements and precision required to be able to be fitted into other pieces of machinery.
Here at Riddhi Siddhi Impex, we ensure all of our fit-for-purpose products meet our high standards, and our washers are certainly no exception. Our wide range of washers come in different shapes, sizes and materials, but what is the purpose of our threaded washers?
Threaded washers have a primary responsibility to boost the load-bearing capabilities, which a threaded fastener can often place on a component. They are one of the most versatile washers and can be used for wear-protection, spacing and pre-load indication.
Zintec Copper Washers are specialised washers crafted from a unique combination of materials. They feature a base of zinc-coated steel, also known as Zintec, which is then layered with copper. This blend leverages the strength and corrosion resistance of Zintec steel with the superior conductivity and malleability of copper.